Getting Medicare

I’m so tired of getting a pay cut every year, because health insurance costs go up and pay does not. I’m looking forward to getting out of the rat race. When can I get onto Medicare?

Counting The Days

Dear Counting The Days,

Assuming that you have paid Medicare payroll taxes, then you are eligible to join Medicare when you turn 65. (Only certain government employees do not pay Medicare and Social Security taxes.) You can become covered by Medicare before age 65, if you are considered disabled by Social Security. After 24 months of being deemed disabled, you would get Medicare. In the meantime, count your blessings that you are well and working; being disabled is not a fun way to get health insurance. Short of that, you will just have to wait until you hit age 65.

You might find less expensive options in 2014, when the health insurance exchanges are up and running. These exchanges will help people shop for and compare health insurance plans. Of course, they may get derailed if health reform does not move ahead as planned. Watch Congress for more news as it breaks.